Pros & Cons: Leather vs. Vegan leather alternatives
We all have been in this situation, you are shopping for a bag or a pair of shoes and realise that the item that you like isn't made of leather. If some will sigh with relief, others will be disappointed, or maybe, stand uncomfortably in an in-between situation, not knowing what to make of it. If that is you, read along to understand the pros and cons about both camps and, don't worry, it's not all black and white I promise.
Leather
This natural material is sourced from various animals like bovine, sheep, pig, goat, or even from cat and dog*, in countries where their consumption is more common. Leather and meat are indeed well-connected industries. Unlike fur, where animals like mink, fox, and chinchilla are specially farmed for their skin, most of the leather on the market comes from livestock. Sought after for its enduring qualities, this ancestral material is still favoured to make many things like worker's apron, horse riding gears, upholstery, footwear, and of course, fashion and accessories.
*The European Union banned the trade and import of such products in 2008.
Pros:
Water-resistant
Leather can be made with different degrees of water-resistance depending on its use, and retain its shape after drying.
Long-lasting
Leather has proven outstanding durability qualities over the years, and is known to age beautifully with proper care. Associated with luxury, it is often considered worthy of being passed down to the next generation.
Malleable
Leather has the ability to mould into shape, to be stiff or flexible, which is specially important in footwear.
Versatile
Variation of thickness and softness allows for a wide range of purposes, from sturdy protective motorcycle clothing to the sleekest pair of leather gloves.
Cons:
Animal welfare
Concerns have been raised regarding the inhumane treatments of animals during their lives and slaughter. The cruelty-free movement is pushing consumers to question the ethics of animal products in our modern society.
Environmental concerns
From farming to manufacturing, leather production negatively impacts ecosystems and workers. Tanning wastewater can contain high levels of chromium, lead, and chemicals that kill aquatic life and contaminate drinking sources. Insufficient regulation also impacts workers who are exposed to toxic compounds, leading to serious health concerns.
Cost
Premium leather goods are often more expensive than their synthetic or fabric counterparts (however it depends on the type of leather alternatives)
Maintenance
To keep leather at its best, regular conditioning is needed and professional help for cleaning or damage can be required.
Vegan leather
Artificial leather is a generic term that, in fact, encompasses many materials with their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Simili, PU leather, and PVC leather are amongst common names for fabrics that are designed to look like real leather but are made from plastic. However, and thanks to technology innovations, faux leather can also be plant-based. These materials are relatively new and can be made from pineapple agricultural waste, coconut, cactus, mushroom, rubber, tea, cork, and more...
Pros:
Animal-free
Vegan leather is an alternative to have the look without the cruelty associated with animal products.
Variety
The wide range of features, textures, and finishes allows for a myriad of aesthetics and unique properties, thus artificial leather can be utilized for many products.
Cost
Despite some materials being more expensive than others, faux leather is still less expensive than quality leather.
Sustainability, if they are free from plastics
New materials that don't harm the animals, the planet, and our health are emerging. Though these are not widely spread yet, bio-based and plastic-free materials that are effective without compromising on look, quality, and value are an exciting development of the fashion industry.
Cons:
Plastic pollution
PU and PVC leather are the main culprits, as they are the most present on the artificial leather market. Unsurprisingly, they participate in the problems of fossil fuel reliance and the microplastic crisis. Furthermore, even some plant-based options have petroleum-based coating and aren't biodegradable.
Durability
Plastic made leather can be prone to cracking and peeling over time, even with proper care. Durability and lasting beauty of leather alternatives is variable, and depends on the material and design.
Confusion
Not all artificial leather are created equal, and consumers can be lost due to the lack of clear definition of what makes a plant-based leather. Because these cruelty-free options can contain plastics and additives they might not be as eco-friendly as you may think, making informed choices can be harder than it looks.
Availability
If PU and PVC leather are readily available, plant-based leather are still relatively new materials and not “mainstream” as one could say. Products can be difficult to find, but the demand is steadily growing and you can expect to see more brands adding plant-based leather goods to their collection.
As we have seen, the concerns about the leather industry are clear. On the other hand, vegan options are more than just another piece of plastic but, trying to sort through all the different materials can be more difficult than expected. Hopefully this article has helped you find some answers and, who knows, there might be something new coming soon.
Stay tuned...
